Saturday 31 August 2024 – Pre-Tour - Bienvenido(a) en Espana
Please arrive in Madrid on this day, preferably in the morning or afternoon. If you would like a complimentary airport pick-up, we can organise this at approximately 2 pm. If you are travelling with your own bike, we recommend this option as you will have time to build your bike and organise storage of your bike bag with the hotel before the tour starts. Check-in to your central Madrid hotel will be available from 3pm onwards.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDES No rides today
MEALS No meals.
Day One
Sunday 1 September 2024 – Oviedo
Our guides will be available to collect you from the Radisson Blu hotel (Madrid) at approximately 10:00am. From Madrid we drive 4hr to the edge of the Somiedo National Park (Asturias). Here there will be time for lunch and to set-up the hire bikes before our first official ride. While this is essentially a transfer day, we are pleased to offer you all a fantastic first-up ride. To set the scene, you will begin on the ‘Puerto Ventana’ climb (note – puerto or alto in Spanish is equivalent to col in French). This 7km climb at 4.8% is perhaps the easiest climb you will ride for the entire tour. It is a constant climb without any steep ramps, so it will be a great way to get rid of any cobwebs!
From the summit, the ride follows some great backroads (practically all downhill and flat) through the ‘bear gorge’ to our spa resort hotel on the outskirts of Oviedo. You are now in prime position for the upcoming Stage 16 summit finish on the nearby Lagos de Covadonga peak. This evening over dinner listen-in to the amazing week of Vuelta cycling we have in store for you!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE 65km / 800m elevation gain
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner
MEDIUM RIDE
Day Two - The mythical Angliru
Monday 2 September 2024 – Oviedo
Road cycling enthusiasts will know all too well that Asturias since the 1980’s has been home to some of the most iconic Vuelta stages. In no time at all climbs such as Lagos de Covadonga, La Cobertoria and El Angliru have become household names. Now is your chance to see what all the hype is about.
Today is all about taking advantage of the Vuelta rest day and visiting L’Angliru. Are you ready? Having cycled this monster a number of times we can honestly say that you are never really ready for L’Angliru. If your bike has the right gearing – compact cranks with at least a 32 rear cassette, you have some training in the legs and strong willpower this should be enough to get you to the top. This will probably be your greatest road cycling achievement to date and for all times for that matter.
El ‘Alto del Angliru’ is not part of the 2024 Vuelta race edition. It was first introduced by La Vuelta organisers during 1999. The 12.5km climb with 10.2% average grade we think puts it in the top 3 of all European road cycling climbs. Sounds tough right! But wait for it, the final 6.5km average 13.5% with half a dozen extended ramps ranging between 19 to 23.5%. ‘Un autentico infierno’ as the locals would say! As soon as L’Angliru made race news, it spread like a wildfire across the cycling world. There have now been 9 stage finishes since 1999 and Alberto Contador is the only rider with multiple stage wins. Primoz Roglic won the stage during 2023 as the whole ‘who is leading Jumbo-Visma dilemma’ unfolded!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE Alto de Angliru – 80km/ 2000m ascent
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner
MEDIUM RIDE
Day Three - Lagos de Covadonga
Tuesday 3 September 2024 – Oviedo
In 1936 La Vuelta arrived to Asturias for the first time. Now you too are here to ride and watch as the 2024 race moves deeper into Asturias. Today the pro peloton has a date with destiny, and it goes by the name Lagos de Covadonga! Whether you are a photographer, nature lover, hiker or cyclist everyone must visit Lagos de Covadonga (lago = lake). The majestic lakes which are found at the summit return to the 2024 race edition.
In the morning there will be a 45min transfer towards the Cantabrian Sea. The first climb on the cards is the impressive Mirador del Fito (Mirador = Lookout). Get the legs going with this 7km climb at 7.9% average grade. The work needs to be done when the double-digit grades strike between KM3-5. With green vegetation all around and a snaking road up to the lookout, the Asturian coastline views will be sure to impress!
The descent now delivers you to the base of the Picos de Europa National Park. These mountains are commonly referred to as ‘Pequeño Dolomiti’ (Little Dolomites). 14km of constant climbing (7% average) takes you up to the towering limestone peaks. There is a testing 3km stretch during the mid-section which constantly hovers around 11% average. Make sure you are ready to cover any stage defining attacks! Lagos de Covadonga was first included during the 1983 Vuelta race. During the last 40 years there have been no less than 21 epic stage finishes. It is one of the most loved climbs with the ‘aficionado’ and Spanish and French champions Pedro Delgado and Laurent Jalabert respectively are the only riders to have taken out multiple stage wins.
The Fito / Covadonga double was last used during Stage 15 of the 2018 Vuelta when Thibaut Pinot took line honours over Miguel Angel Lopez and Simon Yates. What will happen out on the road in 2024? The chance to take in VIP race hospitality at the summit finish will be a major highlight for our tour group!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE Lagos de Covadonga – 75km / 2200m elevation gain
MEALSBreakfast and Dinner
MEDIUM RIDE
Day Four - Cuitu Negru and move to Rioja
Wednesday 4 September 2024 – Rioja
Today we head ‘back in time’ in search of the 2024 Stage 15 Vuelta finish. A few days ago the peloton finished a gruelling climb up to Cuitu Negru. We will use our Asturian base to also tackle this beast. Following a 25min drive we will be near the base and ready to ride to the summit away from the race. It is a narrow asphalted road which finishes at the top of the Valgrande ski station.
Cuitu Negru has only been used once before at La Vuelta. The 4WD track was asphalted specially for the 2012 Vuelta! The summit of the climb is situated 3km above the Puerto de Pajares climb. The two climbs when combined include 19km at a 7% average grade. It is the 3 final kilometres though which are gruesome. An inconsistent 13% average awaits with a number of ramps touching 20 and 22%. Now that you have added another summit to your cycling CV it will be time to enjoy the ride and descend towards Leon.
Post ride there will be a 3hr drive to our new base in La Rioja wine region. Our base for the next 3 nights borders between Basque Country and La Rioja. As La Vuelta race organisers know well, La Rioja is the perfect location for cycling as the short distances between medieval towns and old and new wineries make for some very scenic viewing. Remember, you have now set foot in the award winning La Rioja wine region. It would be rude not to taste test a glass or two of the tempranillo grape. Una botella de tinto por favor!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE 90km / 1350m elevation gain
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner
LONG RIDE
Day Five - Vuelta Stage 18 - Rioja Balcony Road
Thursday 5 September 2024 – Rioja
Today you will cycle some of our favourite roads in Spain. Riding from Laguardia you will follow 50km of the Stage 18 Vuelta course. The route today follows the medium mountains along La Rioja / Basque Country border. ‘Alto de Rivas de Tereso’ and ‘Puerto Herrera’ are Category 2 and Category 1 climbs respectively. The plan is to tackle both of these climbs and be in position to watch the race as it passes mid-stage. Puerto Herrera is the most challenging of the two climbs with its 6km averaging 8.2% average grade. The views on what is known as the ‘Balcony of La Rioja’ road are exceptional!
After watching the race pass the descent back to the terraced vineyards will be one to remember. We will have you back in the hotel in time to watch the Vuelta Stage 18 finish on TV with a cold drink!
As the early evening approaches our guides will be pleased to show you all the medieval walled town of Laguardia which has hardly changed since the 13th Century. The sunset from the watch tower with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains in the background is not to be missed. This village still today houses a rabbit warren of underground wine cellars and there will be time to visit a private cellar directly beneath the old impenetrable walls. Back on street level and a selection of tapas will be the perfect way to round out an excellent day!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE 95km / 1600m elevation gain
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner
LONG RIDE
Day Six - Vuelta Stage 19 – Alto Moncalvillo
Friday 6 September 2024 – Rioja
Following breakfast we set off from the hotel and cycle past terraced vineyards and through small villages. There are no extended climbs within the first 80km but the ride does follow an undulating course with plenty of vantage points for the photographers in the group. There are some modern wineries along the route that the guides will point out. It is remarkable how the eye-catching architecture still blends in so well with the natural landscape. The Marques de Riscal winery is perhaps the finest example of where old meets new. The winery which was founded in 1858 now also houses a Frank Gehry designed building to match the Guggenheim museum.
Our cycling route today links up with the final kilometres of the Vuelta Stage 19 course. We have left the best for last as you will climb ‘Alto Moncalvillo’ just like the pro peloton. The final 8.5km to the stage finish packs a punch and it’s 9% average grade is sure to create some decisive attacks. The distance to Madrid is closing so these shorter, sharper stage summit finishes will provide fantastic roadside viewing!
Post-stage there will be a 30min drive back to the hotel.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE Alto Moncalvillo
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner
LONG RIDE
Day Seven - Vuelta Stage 20 – Picon Blanco
Saturday 7 September 2024 – Burgos
Today we will enjoy the start of the Giro in Fiera di Primiero from the Start Village.
Start Village
Every day, in the start town, the Start Village offers a VIP Area at the start. Guests watch the riders get ready and witness the sign-on ceremony whilst enjoying drinks and snacks.
Our daily ride will take us from Feltre to Fiera di Primiero and back. This evening you are free to go out for dinner.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE Feltre to Fiera di Primiero
MEALS Breakfast and Dinner
MEDIUM RIDE
Day Eight - Stage 21 Vuelta Twilight Finish
Sunday 8 September 2024 – Madrid
This morning following breakfast there will be a 2.5hr drive to Madrid. We will have you in the Spanish capital by approximately 12 noon. There will be time for a walk around the nearby Retiro park, some shopping and/or lunch. During the afternoon experience VIP hospitality at the Individual Time Trial finish.
As the sun starts to set over Paseo de la Castellana (Spain’s version of the Champs Elysees) the wizz of the wheels will return to Madrid. After many difficult closing mountain stages the surviving GC contenders will need to go for broke. A 22km individual time trial is all that now awaits! The post-race celebrations around the Cibeles fountain are spectacular. Sepp Kuss was a somewhat surprise winner of the 2023 edition. Will he be back to defend his title in 2024 or will he need to ride in a support role? Viva La Vuelta!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
RIDE No ride today
MEALS Breakfast
Day Nine - Adios
Monday 9 September 2024 – Madrid
Following breakfast our guides will be available to transfer you to Madird Airport. We can have you at the airport by 10:30am so please keep that in mind when organising any onwards flights. We trust you have enjoyed your Vuelta cycling experience and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
